Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Analytical Chemist Job Description This role supports the Analytical Team by preparing samples and performing routine analytical testing. You will increase laboratory capacity by executing standardized procedures under the guidance of analytical staff, while providing critical support to Research & Development, Quality Control, and Operations through efficient sample preparation, accurate documentation, and consistent laboratory practices. Responsibilities Prepare a wide range of samples for analytical testing in accordance with established procedures. Perform routine analytical and wet chemistry testing under the direction of analytical staff to support R&D, Quality Control, and Operations. Execute standardized laboratory procedures accurately and consistently to ensure reliable test results. Operate analytical instrumentation such as HPLC and GC/MS in an academic or industrial setting, as appropriate to your training and experience. Follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and general laboratory safety protocols while handling chemicals, reagents, and samples. Document all laboratory activities clearly and accurately, including sample preparation steps, test conditions, and analytical results. Maintain laboratory records, logs, and reports in compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations. Support routine laboratory activities such as preparing reagents, organizing samples, labeling containers, and maintaining a clean and orderly work area. Collaborate closely with R&D, Quality Control, Operations, and other departments to ensure timely completion of testing and projects. Participate in training and development opportunities to grow into a fully independent analytical chemist within the R&D laboratory. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by following best practices and suggesting enhancements to laboratory workflows when appropriate. Essential Skills BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline. 01 years of laboratory experience in a manufacturing, academic, or related scientific environment. Hands-on experience with laboratory sample preparation, including weighing, diluting, and handling samples for analysis. Experience with laboratory documentation practices, including recording data and maintaining accurate lab notebooks or electronic records. Knowledge of general laboratory practices, including safe handling of chemicals, use of basic lab equipment, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Academic or practical experience with analytical chemistry and wet chemistry techniques. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation such as GC-FID/MS and HPLC, gained through academic or internship experience. Ability to follow standardized analytical methods and instructions. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording results. Willingness to work in an R&D flavors laboratory environment and develop into an analytical chemist role. Additional Skills & Qualifications Internship experience in a laboratory setting is a plus Exposure to chromatography techniques, including HPLC and GC/MS, in academic or professional environments. Experience working in an R&D chemistry environment, even at an entry level or as a new graduate. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in a laboratory or production context. Strong communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams across the facility. Motivation to learn new analytical techniques and grow under the mentorship of experienced R&D and analytical staff. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Island Lake, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Island Lake,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. Actalent